Endocrine Abstracts

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are steroid hormones, products of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. Synthetic GCs, such as dexamethasone, have been widely used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or asthma, but their long-term use causes severe side effects (osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension, etc). The ligand-bound GC receptor (GR) can activate gene expression via binding to GC response elements (GREs), a mechanism known as transactiva...

Introduction: Recent trials suggest that using ergot-derived dopamine agonists such as cabergoline in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease is associated with an increased risk of valvular heart disease. However, the dose of cabergoline used to treat hyperprolactinaemia is considerably less than that used in Parkinson’s disease.Study design: A cross-sectional study; forty four patients, who received cabergoline for at least 6 months, underwent t...

Introduction: The incidence of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is ~3.5/100 000 per yearThe incidence is on the rise due to increase in ‘routine biochemical testing’Has been thought to be a ‘relatively harmless’ disorder.Some patients tend to undergo surgery, while others are conservatively treated and most followed up for a short period before discharge from follow up.Aims:<l...